The Wonder of a Leader

This is a blog entry that I made several months ago and forgot to hit "publish" so it never went out. I just noticed it today. I don't know if it is done or not.

Leadership! A concept I have been impressed upon to study somewhat lately. Leaders have existed throughtout history, but what is more important is the impact that leaders have upon groups or communities.

I look at Hitler, Stalin, Bob Jones, and Hugo Chavez. How they could have gone another way. They all have leadership qualities but instead of governing by teaching, then allowing the people to govern themselves they fell victim to pride and power.

I look at the media today and their utter devotion to President Barrack Obama. They do not ask the hard questions, I think because it will show his lack of Leadership. Any state senator who votes "present" as much as he did, instead of yes or no, on the bill being voted upon, doesn't have or show the Leadership neccessary to be President.

A famous person, a true Leader said "Teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves". We should look at this in the face of Socialism and Communism and Dictators. The God of Heaven does not require or expect blind following or forced following. We are to "ask" and "study things out" for ourselves. Then if they be true use them to govern ourselves, not by force but by choice.

A Leader makes choices, hopefully based upon sound and true principles, but choices non the less. He Leads. It is impossible to lead from behind, that is called pushing. As such we need to stand as examples of what to do. Choices are not always easy. It is not always "freeing" the Thanksgiving turkey on that fourth Thursday in November. You do not always have the luxury to hold up your finger and see which way the wind of popular sentiment is blowing. Often, usually too often, you will not have all of the facts or know all of the circumstances when you will be required to make a decision. But the decision needs to be made. Usually those who do not know will be critical of the decision they were not forced to make. "Present" is not a choice.

A leader leads and cares for those he is responsible for. General Washington, during the Revolutionary war, got so frustrated with the dire circumstances that his troops were living under. That he threatened Congress he would turn and march on Congress if they failed to respond to his demand for supplies.

The world is lacking true and honest Leaders. Most people worry too much about what the world is thinking or what they will say about your decision or if it will hurt my chances for further office. So they don't lead, they follow public sentiment.

Where would we be today if George Washington had this opinion?

Always Lead! Never Follow! Stand Up!